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Acute Cholecystitis is when the Gallbladder or abdomen has significant pain following Inflammation that is most often caused by Gallstones.

Acute is part of the diagnosis because symptoms begin suddenly and usually have been going on for less than 6 months. When the symptoms progress more into long term – will be termed Chronic Cholecystitis.

Thickening of the gallbladder tissue or wall along with thickening of bile flowing into gallbladder.

Infection may follow in some cases. Pain is often precipitated by a fatty meal and therefore symptoms may come and go. It often depends on what you eat.

Worsening symptoms of Cholecystitis are often associated with gallstones in 90% of the cases. Stones impacted in cystic duct followed by inflammation.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Pain:

–  Steady pain (can be severe) – usually in upper right side.
–  Tenderness in stomach area
–  Nausea
–  Vomiting
–  Fever
–  Leukocytosis – Changes in the blood work

Charcots triad:

1.)  Fever & chills

2.)  Right upper quad pain (+ Murphys sign),

3.)  Jaundice

Diagnosis of Gallbladder Issues

–  Physical Exam is essential.
–  Ultrasound may be beneficial.
–  CT is an important modality

Treatment of Cholecystsis:

1.)  No oral feedings

2.)  Pain medication

3.)  Antibiotics

  –  Zosyn
  –  Cephlasporins
  –  Unasyn
  –  Timintin
  –  Metronidazole [Flagyl]

4.)  Gallbladder removal through surgery